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Best things to do in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a tiny city thousands of miles from anywhere, so why should you go? Well, for starters, there's the breathtaking volcanic scenery, revitalizing hot springs, and crowd-free (though no less impressive) landmarks. And the best thing is, that's not even the tip of the iceberg!

National Museum of Iceland

This journey through Iceland's history is easy to find from Tjörnin Pond, but if you must ask for directions, impress the natives by using its simple Icelandic name – Þjóðminjasafn!

Perlan

Home to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition and an impressive artificial geyser, Perlan is a stunning glass dome crowned by one of the city's best restaurants. The views are just as good as the food!

Hallgrímskirkja

Inspired by Iceland's volcanic rock formations, Hallgrímskirkja can be seen from almost anywhere in the city! Take the elevator to the top for Reykjavík's best city views.

Harpa - Reykjavík Concert Hall & Conference Center

Reykjavík's cultural heart beats inside this center. Harpa not only hosts some of Iceland's best shows, but has become a benchmark of Nordic design and architecture!

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa and health center, which is famous for its revitalizing treatments and facilities. If that sounds like too much fuss, visit the Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach instead!

Photo: Luc Van Braekel@flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Kolaportid Flea Market

By the old harbor you'll find Icelandic delicacies like fermented shark among the vintage clothes, vinyl, and usual flea market nicknacks. Come ready with cash to avoid the long ATM queues!

Elliðaárdalur Valley

This recreational area on the edge of the city makes for one of Reykjavík's top excursions. The Elliðaár river runs through its lush flora, swarming with char, salmon, and trout!

Planning Your Reykjavik Visit

Best time to visit?

Reykjavík's endless summer days make it a fun place to visit between June and August, but if you want to see the Northern Lights, your best bet is to go in the winter. Bear in mind, however, that the otherworldly phenomenon (also known as the Aurora Borealis) is notoriously difficult to predict. If it's important that you see it, boost your chances by booking a longer holiday and keeping up-to-date with the daily forecasts.

How long to stay?

Reykjavík has a lot of life in it for such a small city. How many days you need depends on what you want from your holiday. A weekend will be enough to see the city's sights, However, if you want to enjoy any of Iceland's scenic excursions, or immerse yourself in the capital's eccentric nightlife and music scene, a week might not be enough!

How expensive is it?

Reykjavík, like most Nordic cities, has a reputation for being quite expensive and, for a city of its size, that's a fair assessment. Ultimately though, Reykjavík is no more expensive than London or Paris. Furthermore, you're unlikely to encounter hidden costs and can expect excellent value for money.

Other Sightseeing Options in Reykjavik

What people are saying about Reykjavik

Great trip, just wish that the waterfall visit had been before dark.

Guide was excellent. Trip destination was amazing in part because of the remarkable weather. The boat ride was a treat. I was disappointed that the waterfall visit occurred almost at dark so it diminished the walk behind by a bunch. I had also expected this to be a small group in a small vehicle; it was a large group on a giant bus; just far less intimate. I had taken a tour with this group in June that was small and awesome. I also didn't know until the end of the trip that as a return customer I could have received a discount for this one. The company might do better informing people about discounts.

It was very good and the tour guide was excellent.

I was disappointed that Grayline could not arrange pickup at the Keflavik Airport.
I received this message on Sept. 24:
“Dear passenger,
We regret to inform you that we are unable to pick you up at your preferred pickup location.
Given your location it might be best if you could meet us at our main terminal, located at Klettagarðar 4, 104 Reykjavik. Please check in at our desk there fifteen minutes prior to your listed departure on your day of travel.”
There was no mention of any Grayline transportation from Keflavik.

Awesome experience! A must, and totally worth it!!

This was a great tour! Yes, it was 14 hours, but it did not event feel that long because of all the stops and information that our tour guides were giving us during the trip. It was all on time, which I appreciated. All of the stops were beautiful and we enjoyed it a lot! We also added the glacier lagoon boat tour, and we were not disappointed!

Northern light tour cancelled due to bad weather, prompt refunded

We didn't have much luck on this tour, pouring rain, otherwise Gullfoss would be spectacular without getting soaked. Northern light tour has to be cancelled for almost a week of course we cannot stay behind to wait. Contacted Get your Guide via email and got a refund processed within 1 day!

Easy to access and timely. Be aware of local drop offs - ticket needed

Cost effective and prompt service. No long treks or delays. Only issue is that online system did not offer me a means to specify a local drop off hence, at the main bus station, we had to ask how we could be transferred. Fortunately they did it without additional costs.